UNLV’s Vaughn says he’s going to follow his dream to NBA

Each time a report has surfaced in recent weeks about UNLV freshman Rashad Vaughn’s intention to leave school and enter the NBA Draft, Vaughn and his family have been quick to dispute it. The 6-foot-6-inch guard finally decided the time had come to share the news himself.

By ADAM HILL LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

April 8, 2015 - 1:18 pm

UNLV guard Rashad Vaughn takes a shot over Utah State forward Jojo McGlaston during the second half of their Mountain West Conference game Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015, at the Thomas & Mack Center. Vaughn finished with 31 points and UNLV won in overtime, 79-77. (Sam Morris/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Rashad Vaughn averaged 17.8 points in 23 games for the Rebels. Despite missing seven conference games, he was voted Freshman of the Year by the Mountain West coaches. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

UNLV guard Rashad Vaughn, not playing because of an injury, waves to a fan during the second half of their Mountain West Conference game against Wyoming Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, at the Thomas & Mack Center. UNLV won the game 69-57. (Sam Morris/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

UNLV guard Rashad Vaughn takes a 3-point shot over Fresno State guard Marvelle Harris during the first half of their Mountain West Conference game Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015, at the Thomas & Mack Center. (Sam Morris/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

UNLV guard Rashad Vaughn talks to assistant coach Stacey Augmon during the second half of their Mountain West Conference game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 at the Thomas & Mack Center. UNLV won the game 74-63. (Sam Morris/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

The 6-foot-6-inch guard finally decided the time had come to share the news himself.

Vaughn posted a video on YouTube on Tuesday explaining his decision, and tweeted the video Wednesday morning.

“Blessed with the time spent here at UNLV but it’s time to follow my dreams,” Vaughn tweeted.

Vaughn, from Minneapolis and Findlay Prep, was a McDonald’s All-American last year. He is projected as a second-round pick, and only first-round picks get guaranteed contracts in the NBA.

His freshman season at UNLV was shortened by a knee injury. Vaughn suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee on Feb. 10, underwent surgery Feb. 18 and returned to on-court workouts at full strength last month.

In a news release sent out by the school on Wednesday afternoon, Vaughn said he will remember his time on campus fondly.

“My experience at UNLV has truly changed my life and helped me become a better player on the floor and a better person off of it,” Vaughn said. “My teammates became brothers and my coaches became family. Everybody supports each other here and there is nothing like being a Runnin’ Rebel. I will always bleed Scarlet and Gray. Since being a kid, my dream has always been to play in the NBA and I have decided to take that next step.”

Vaughn averaged 17.8 points in 23 games for the Rebels, reaching double-figures in scoring 21 times. He shot 38.3 percent (54 of 141) from 3-point range, and his natural scoring ability is what intrigues pro scouts.

“Rashad will always be a Runnin’ Rebel,” UNLV coach Dave Rice said in a news release. “We wish him all the best and we are cheering for him.”

Despite missing seven conference games, he was voted Freshman of the Year by the Mountain West coaches. Vaughn scored a season-high 31 points in a victory over Utah State on Jan. 24 and scored 30 in a loss at Colorado State on Feb. 7.

The deadline for underclassmen to enter the draft is April 26. UNLV sophomore forward Chris Wood has yet to announce a decision on whether he will join Vaughn in turning pro.